Former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have agreed to explore an out-of-court settlement in the N5.2 billion corruption case pending against him.
Ojerinde’s lawyer, Eteya Ogana, informed Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of the development on Monday shortly after the case was called. The matter had been scheduled for the defence to open its case.
“There is a development; an intervention which parties are exploring to see if the matter can be administratively settled,” Ogana said. He therefore requested a long adjournment until after the court’s vacation period to allow time for the resolution efforts.
ICPC’s counsel, Lesie Iheduru, confirmed the defence’s position. “The position stated by the learned counsel for defence is absolutely correct. Talks are ongoing for reconciliation, and we are not opposed to an adjournment,” he told the court.
Justice Egwuatu subsequently adjourned the matter to October 20 for either a report on settlement or continuation of the defence.
Prof. Ojerinde was arraigned in July 2021 on an 18-count charge bordering on corruption, criminal breach of trust, and fraudulent diversion of public funds totaling N5.2 billion. The charges, filed by the ICPC, alleged that the offences were committed during his tenure as the Registrar of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and JAMB.
Despite initially seeking a plea bargain in February 2022, the agreement collapsed, and the trial continued. The ICPC had concluded its case after calling several witnesses, prompting the defence to file a no-case submission, which Justice Egwuatu dismissed on June 10, ordering Ojerinde to enter his defence.
The commission alleges that Ojerinde violated several provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006, by abusing his office and fraudulently diverting government funds for personal gain.
Ojerinde has consistently pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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